The ESF in the news

Building momentum

Ireland launches training courses for the unemployed offering skills that are in demand

In Ireland, the An Tanaiste (Deputy Head of Government) Eamon Gilmore together with the Minister for Education and Skills Ruairi Quinn have unveiled the new ‘Momentum’ training scheme which will create 6500 training places for unemployed job-seekers in various sectors. Competitive tendering was used to select innovative training programmes which will provide participants with those skills that are in demand. An example is the Export and Transport Manager course, designed primarily to up-skill unemployed transport sector workers, such as truck and bus drivers, with a core set of skills which would allow them move into managerial positions within their own industry – there are around 80 places on four courses. Some EUR 20 million of funding is available for the initiative, including ESF support.